Abia State were created during Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida's regime. Abia  takes its name from the acronym of four of the state's most populated regions: Aba, Bende, Isuikwuato, and Arochukwu. The state Capital is Umuahia while the largest city and commercial centre is Aba.

Abia State was created from Imo State and is referred to as God's own State. Some notable people from Abia are Adolphus Wabara, Okoh Ebitu Ukiwe, Alvan Ikoku, Arunma Oteh, Orji Uzor Kalu, Alex Ekubo, Uche Jombo, Chinyere Kalu, Eyinnaya Abaribe, Jaja Wachukwu, Michael Ọkpara etc.

Anambra was created in 1976 from part of the East Central State. The state’s capital at that time was Enugu. However, there was a restructuring which led to Anambra State being divided into Enugu and Anambra. Currently, the capital of Anambra is Awka.

Nicknamed the "Light of the Nation", Anambra State is the eighth most populous state Nigeria, despite being the second smallest in area.
Anambra's history stretches to the 9th century AD, as revealed by archaeological excavations at Igbo-Ukwu.

Some notable people from Anambra State are Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Alex Ekwueme, Nwafor Orizu, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, Dora Akunyili, Father Tansi, Chinua Achebe, Peter Obi, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Vincent Obianodo, Chief Cletus Ibeto, Sir Emeka Offor, Phyno, Flavour,  etc.

The name, Enugu was derived from the states capital and largest city, Enugu (Enu Ugwu) means "the top of the hill". Nicknamed the Coal City, Enugu was the capital of The Republic of Biafra, was also the capital of the Southern Provinces, Eastern Region, The capital of the Republic of Biafra, thereafter, the capital of East Central State, Old Anambra State.

In 1996, part of Enugu State's east was removed to form a part of the new Ebonyi State. Some notable people from Enugu State are CC Onoh, Chief Nnia Nwodo, John Okafor, Mike Ejeagha, Nkem Owoh, Patience Ozokwor, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Bianca Ojukwu, Sen. Chimaroke Nnamani, Zoro etc.